Which of the following statements with reference to Coriolis force is/are correct ? 1. Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force 2. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero and the wind blows perpendicular to the isobars Select the answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Both 1 and 2. Both statements are correct: the Coriolis force works at right angles to the pressure gradient force, and it vanishes at the equator, where winds cross the isobars at right angles.
The Coriolis force comes from the Earth's rotation. It deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Its strength depends on latitude: it is greatest at the poles and absent at the equator. The pressure gradient force pushes air from high to low pressure, across the isobars. The Coriolis force acts perpendicular to it, so where the two balance, high above the ground, winds blow parallel to the isobars as geostrophic winds. At the equator there is no deflection, so air moves straight across the isobars. This is also why tropical cyclones do not form right on the equator.
A is wrong because statement 2 is also correct.
B is wrong because statement 1 is also correct.
D is wrong because both statements are correct.
Exam tip: Coriolis force: zero at the equator, maximum at the poles, deflects winds right in the north and left in the south.
Practice Questions
View allWhich one of the following is applicable to collision-coalescence process of precipitation?
- A.Clouds which do not extend beyond the freezing level
- B.Clouds which extend beyond the freezing level
- C.All types of clouds
- D.Cirrocumulus cloud
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1. It represents the most common pattern of streams and their tributaries
2. It occurs in areas of uniform rock type and regular slope
3. A map, or aerial photograph, shows a pattern like the veins on a leaf— smaller streams join the main stream at an acute angle
Select the correct answer.
- A.Dendritic
- B.Radial
- C.Trellis
- D.Centripetal
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- B.Indian Space Research Organization
- C.Indian Railways
- D.Defence Research and Development Organization
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- A.Manipur
- B.Mizoram
- C.Tripura
- D.Nagaland
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- A.paleoclimatology
- B.paleogeomorphology
- C.paleolithology
- D.paleogeography
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